1978 Mazda 626 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (156 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 626 | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1768 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
